Older Persons’ Day

Sefton Pensioner’s Advocacy Centre was invited to attend an event organised by a local housing authority for Older Persons’ Day.  The day was held in Bootle and was attended by older people living in supported accommodation in Sefton.  In addition to the information stands there were also talks given by Age Concern and the Dementia Action Network.

Sefton’s display

During the day a number of older people visited the stand and shared their experiences of cancer.  Several people took the leaflets away, either for themselves or because they knew someone who would benefit from the service.  I spoke with representatives from Age Concern about what they offer and how the advocacy project could complement these services.

Helen Vernon, Advocate, Sefton Pensioners’ Advocacy Centre

Awareness raising locally in Gateshead

Volunteers and staff from local pilot, Gateshead Cancer Advocacy, armed themselves with display stands, leaflets and posters to promote their service within the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead.

As part of the new display we posed questions that a person wishing to access a cancer advocacy service may present – in this way they can relate to their own situation and make further enquiries about accessing the service

The purpose was to raise awareness and attract new referrals into the service. We staffed an information stall situated in the out-patients department which targeted patients attending day appointments with their consultants. The following day we moved the information stand to outside the hospital restaurant targeting the public and medical staff particularly attracting the lunchtime trade.

Patricia Lee

Much interest was evoked and many leaflets were given out by local Cancer Champion, Patricia, Volunteer Support Advocate, Anne and Project Lead, Alan. We are hopeful our efforts will result in some new referrals being received.

Alan Davison, cancer advocacy co-ordinator